Dave Dombrowski: Detroit Tigers had 'exploratory' conversations with Rafael Soriano, never made offer

The Detroit Tigers seem likely to head to spring training next month with Bruce Rondon as the top candidate to be their closer.AP Photo

The Detroit Tigers had conversations with free-agent closer Rafael Soriano. But they never made him a contract offer, general manager Dave Dombrowski said Tuesday afternoon.

Soriano has reportedly agreed to a two-year contract for $28 million with an option for a third with the Washington Nationals. Soriano went 2-1 with a 2.26 ERA and 42 saves for the New York Yankees last season after the Yankees lost closer Mariano Rivera to an injury.

The Tigers have said all along this offseason that they are happy heading to spring training with rookie Bruce Rondon as their closer, but many believed they would eventually pursue Soriano.

Dombrowski said they did not.

"We never made him an offer," Dombrowski said Tuesday afternoon via text message, "and our conversations were exploratory, like any other free agent."

Jon Morosi of Foxsports.com wrote Tuesday that the Tigers and Orioles could be potential trade partners in a move that could bring closer Jim Johnson to the Tigers. Morosi reasons that the deal might work for the Orioles in part because Tigers starter Rick Porcello has three years remaining until free agency while Johnson has two.

Porcello, who went 10-12 with a 4.59 ERA last season, would benefit from playing with a better defensive infield behind him. Johnson was named to the American League All-Star team last season and finished with a league-high 51 saves.

But it still appears that the Tigers will most likely head to spring training next month with Rondon as their potential closer.

"He's a rare talent," Dombrowski said shortly after the season ended. "You would not believe the number of clubs that
called me about Bruce Rondon to trade him.

"If I had a choice of any young
closer in baseball to give an opportunity to in any organization, it would be
him. Now would be ready? I don't know that. But he is that good."